The Palace and Park of Fontainebleau

Ever considered getting an MBA? You could do a lot worse than to choose INSEAD. When I was at uni in the USA, several of my friends went on to do their Masters degrees here, and no wonder: not only is INSEAD one of the world’s best elite business schools, it’s also located in Fontainebleau, a large, gorgeous forest in Île-de-France, just outside of Paris.

Château de Fontainebleau

Now, business studies might not be your thing. You’re perhaps more interested in history or architecture or art or music. Fontainebleau has that, too. The pièce de résistance in this little town is the UNESCO World Heritage listed Château de Fontainebleau, used by the kings of France for eight centuries – from Louis VII in 1137 to the Napoleons in the 19th century. You may have heard of the Treaty of Fontainebleau. That’s where Bonaparte agrees with the victors (the Austrian Empire, Russia and Prussia) to go into exile at Elba. This is where he said his farewells.

Part of this stunning palace presently houses Écoles d’Art Américaines: an art, architecture, and music school for students from the USA.

Last November, I was in Paris for a meeting and managed to sneak out early. Hopping on the train to Fontainebleau, I arrived at the chateau about 4.30 pm, too late for a look inside, but luckily just in time for a quick stroll about the grounds. Here’s a tiny glimpse. Enjoy!

Fontainebleau – and the lovely château – is about 55 km from Paris, and easily reached by train from Gare de Lyon.

The château closes at 5pm this time of year (October – March) – and last admission is at 4.15. But you really need more than 45 minutes to see a good selection of the 1500 rooms. The château is closed on Tuesdays.

Admission is €10 (€8 concessions) for a self-guided tour of the Grands Appartements (incl audio guide). Various guided tours are available as well.

I haven’t been to the Palace but I do love the countryside around Fontainebleau! It amazes me how quickly you get into the country when leaving Paris. Really enjoyed your pictures. This needs to be put on the list for my next visit.

I’d never be able to find my way from class to class in time in that place. Not only is it huge, but I’d keep stopping to look at everything. Fortunately I’m not about to re-enroll in school, so I can just enjoy the pictures.

I don’t think I’d be able to concentrate on studying here. I’m having trouble figuring out which photo is my favorite. I like the one with the arches framing each other, and the one with the 2 rows of trees and the carriage looks timeless.

HIKING around a palace? Now that’s news to me! 🙂 would be lovely to visit such a slice of history, all while exploring the nearby forest. I still can’t believe I have been to more than 20 countries across 4 continents, YET, I haven’t made it to France. I feel a little silly. Gotta go up there soon